No more 'F' grades allowed for student athletes

Marian Camacho and Kassi NelsonFebruary 13, 2018 04:22 PM

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – The New Mexico Activities Association is putting more of a focus on the "student" in student-athlete.

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The governing body of New Mexico high school sports recently decided that athletes will not be allowed to have any “F” grades. Previously, athletes were allowed to have one “F” and still participate as long as they still carried a 2.0-grade point average.

According to the changes, students who receive an “F” will no longer be eligible to participate in activities or athletics. West Mesa athletic director Shonn Shroer hopes this change motivates students to study as much as they practice.

"Before, a kid could have an F on their transcript and still make grades at six weeks, which makes them eligible to participate," he said. "Now you can't have those Fs on your transcript, which helps with graduation."

Students may use summer school to make up courses in order to gain eligibility, but the replacement classes are required to be the exact course that was listed on the official transcript.

NMAA officials say eligibility will be determined by semester grades. Those students who are deemed ineligible will undergo checks at designated six and nine-week marking periods during that semester. If a student passes at the nine-week mark, they will immediately be eligible to participate.

Fall 2018 eligibility will be based on second-semester grades from this 2017-18 school year.

Jeniffer Martinez, a junior at West Mesa High School, plays three sports but says her classroom performance is her top priority. She believes this change will serve as a wake-up call for athletes to do well academically, not just athletically.

"I grew up learning that your athletic ability, it's not always promised to you. So you have to have that backup of academics in your pocket to make a career for yourself and make a life," she said.